Joyful Crumbs, my second blog, spins off from Good Grief Cook. We'll continue celebrating life, love, and food's healing power, picking up every precious, joyful crumb that comes our way. Every day is a gift; let's savor it.
Dedication
I dedicate this to my mom, who couldn't eat a meal without bread, and to my dad, who grabbed every crumb of goodness in life and at the table.
The story of crumbs
Growing up in an old-world Italian family, warm, fresh bread accompanied every meal. Its aromatic, crispy crust and soft interior were so delicious on day one. But then day two arrived, and the loaf was already on its way out. We paid a price for the lack of preservatives in beautiful artisan loaves; without them, any leftover bread quickly became dry, crumbly, and stale.
My dad entered the scene. He embraced a no-waste mentality long before it became popular. I vividly remember him sitting at the kitchen table, grating day-old bread on a box grater. He created fresh breadcrumbs for new dishes. My frugal parents never wasted anything. They always found a way to turn that leftover bread into something delicious.
As one of the top award winning recipe developers I enjoy the challenge of thinking outside the breadbox creating tasty dishes while honoring my family.
I've spent years perfecting the art of giving stale bread new life, and it's a game-changer. The key is to understand that old bread isn't "bad" bread; it's simply bread with less moisture, which makes it perfect for absorbing flavors without becoming a soggy mess.
These easy, delicious and well tested recipes are meant to reduce waste and to be shared. It's content to thrive on and love made edible.
My expertise
- I enjoyed a 35 year career as a Physician Assistant. Wake Forest School of Medicine '81. I know health and wellness.
- I am a Food Network CHOPPED Champion. Season 19, episode 6.
- I am a TEDx Speaker.
- I am a multi-award winning home cook and baker for over 35 years.
- I am a wife, mom and grandmother.
- I am a certified pizza, steak and EAT competition judge.
- Writer for Fyi50-Plus magazine.
- Videographer for the International Sous Vide Association.